Overview
- The Donquixote and Caribou Pirates are notorious for their extreme violence and involvement in criminal activities.
- Ruthlessness characterizes the Kid and Blackbeard Pirates as they often resort to violence to fulfill their ambitions.
- The Big Mom and Beast Pirates inflict suffering on innocent people and bring chaos wherever they operate.
In the vibrant universe of One Piece, individuals of all ages are drawn to piracy for various reasons. Some chase adventure and camaraderie like the Straw Hat Pirates, while others seek wealth and notoriety, such as the Buggy Pirates. Others still long for purpose and a sense of kinship reminiscent of the Whitebeard Pirates’ familial bonds.
Despite these divergent motivations, pirate crews typically fall into two distinct categories: those who wield violence sparingly and those who actively embrace it. This analysis focuses specifically on the latter group—those crews that have established their fearsome reputations through aggressive actions against foes and innocent civilians alike. Below, we explore the most brutal pirate crews ranked by their captain’s bounty.
7 Donquixote Pirates
A Ruthless Crime Syndicate
- Captain: Donquixote Doflamingo
- Captain Bounty: 340,000,000 Belly
- First Appearance: Episode 151
Under the leadership of Donquixote Doflamingo, a former noble turned tyrant, the Donquixote Pirates project a disturbing blend of piracy and organized crime. With his previous affiliation as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, Doflamingo’s bounty remains at 340,000,000 Belly, a reflection of the protection he enjoys from the World Government.
Initially operating like traditional pirates, their occupation of Dressrosa transformed the serene kingdom into a hub for illicit arms trading and artificial Devil Fruit production. The casualties of their reign of terror numbered in the thousands, leading many to argue that Doflamingo’s bounty should be considerably higher if not for his powerful political connections.
6 Caribou Pirates
An Extremely Violent Rookie Crew
- Captains: “Wet-Haired” Caribou and “Blood-Splatterer”Coribou
- Captain Bounties: 210,000,000 Belly and 190,000,000 Belly
- First Appearance: Episode 519
The Caribou Pirates burst onto the scene as super rookies following the Marineford War. Co-captained by the Caribou brothers, their combined bounties surpass that of many seasoned pirates, highlighting their notorious reputation for brutality.
Compared to the Straw Hat Pirates during their early days, the Caribou crew’s violent tendencies—including acts of pillaging, murder, and abduction—contribute to their soaring bounty, solidifying their image as a ferocious band that thrived on chaos.
5 Kid Pirates
Spreading Death & Destruction Everywhere They Go
- Captain: Eustass Kid
- Captain Bounty: 3,000,000,000 Belly
- First Appearance: Episode 392
Captain Eustass Kid, one of the Eleven Supernovas, made waves at the Sabaody Archipelago alongside the Straw Hats. His violent legacy echoes through his strategic victories, including the defeat of the formidable Big Mom—a feat elevating his bounty alongside Luffy’s.
Within this group, Kid stands out for the magnitude of his destructive actions. From brutal confrontations to chaotic raids, he has established a reputation for carnage that warranted the World Government’s recognition of his dangerous potential.
4 Blackbeard Pirates
Brutal, Barbaric, and Extremely Bloodthirsty
- Captain: Marshall D. Teach
- Captain Bounty: 3,996,000,000 Belly
- First Appearance: Episode 151
The Blackbeard Pirates, led by the infamous Marshall D. Teach, pose the greatest current threat to global stability. Once a trusted member of the Whitebeard Pirates, Blackbeard’s betrayal and subsequent rise to power marked a turning point in his life—from Warlord to one of the Four Emperors.
Known for his violent and ruthless tactics, Blackbeard’s crew is a band of deadly outlaws, many of whom were released from the notorious Impel Down prison. Their bloodthirsty nature amplifies their reputation, solidifying their status as one of the most feared pirate crews in the world.
3 Big Mom Pirates
A Family of Violent Pirates
- Captain: Charlotte Linlin
- Captain Bounty: 4,388,000,000 Belly
- First Appearance: Episode 570
While the Donquixote Pirates operate as a criminal enterprise, the Big Mom Pirates reflect a twisted family dynamic, with high-ranking officers being Charlotte Linlin’s own offspring. For years, Big Mom held sway as a Four Emperor, until her defeat by Eustass Kid and Trafalgar Law in Wano Country.
Her unpredictable temperament ranges from reasoned negotiation to flagrant violence, leading her to eradicate anything in her path—including family. This erratic cruelty influences her crew, echoing her disregard for life as they further the family legacy of ruthlessness and brutality.
2 Beast Pirates
A Cruel Pirate Crew That Brings Suffering to Innocent Citizens
- Captain: Kaido
- Captain Bounty: 4,611,100,000 Belly
- First Appearance: Episode 513
Leading the Beast Pirates is Kaido, known as the “Thousand Beasts,”who epitomizes brutality and domination. This crew harnesses the potent powers of Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruits to exert control over Wano Country for two decades.
Kaido’s rule is marked by oppression, forced labor, and rampant violence, leaving suffering as a standard for the citizens of Wano. The terror inflicted by the Beast Pirates emphasizes their status as one of the most merciless crews in the One Piece world.
1 Rocks Pirates
Home to Vicious Pirate Legends
- Captain: Rocks D. Xebec
- Captain Bounty: Unknown
- First Appearance: Episode 958
The legendary Rocks Pirates defined chaos on the seas long before the current narrative begins. Their terrifying renown culminated in a legendary battle against Gol D. Roger and Monkey D. Garp, which ultimately led to the crew’s disbandment upon the defeat of their captain, Rocks D. Xebec.
This notorious crew was infamous for their overwhelming brutality and malevolence, with their legacy prompting the World Government to actively erase them from history. While the exact bounty for Rocks remains a mystery, it is presumed to have been substantially high given the strength of his crew members, many of whom rose to infamy in their own right.